So much culture, so little time to experience it all! This is one of the biggest, and some would say best, problems with being in Beijing. With so much to experience, how do you possibly find time to fit it in, especially if you are only here short-term?
It’s with that problem in mind that Cultural Keys is happy to offer another CK Culture Taster, a day in which participants get the opportunity to learn and enjoy not just one, but three different aspects of Chinese culture, all in one place!
Read on for more information about what this excellent afternoon of fun and culture will include, and how you can book your place today!
What you will learn
Paper cutting
Chinese paper cutting (Jiǎnzhǐ; 剪紙) originated from cutting embroidery patterns and later developed into a folk art in itself. It has been practiced in China since at least the 6th Century AD when paper was invented by Cai Lun. Paper cuttings were and are usually used for decoration, particularly at weddings and Chinese New Year. Traditional paper cuttings are almost always red and usually feature flowers, animals and Chinese characters, all chosen for their auspicious meanings.
Painting
Ink-wash painting (Shuǐmòhuà; 水墨画) is considered one of the treasures of Chinese culture, and being able to paint well was considered essential for Chinese scholars for hundreds of years. A set of simple tools is used – black ink, a horse-hair brush, paper and an ink stone – yet in the hands of an expert a staggering amount of emotion, atmosphere and texture can be conveyed using simple brush strokes and different ratios of ink to water. Common motifs are landscapes, animals and plants, especially bamboo.
Dumpling making
Dumplings (Jiǎozi; 饺子) are a northern Chinese staple food that can be eaten anytime, but which are particularly popular around Chinese New Year. They consist of a thin dough wrapper and a meat, seafood, egg and/or vegetable filling and can be steamed, boiled or fried. Making dumplings is fairly simple – once you master how to seal the wrapper so that it not only looks good but doesn’t come open during cooking!
All of the above, including transportation, food, drinks, materials, activities and native-English speaking hosts, can be booked for just 788RMB per person/1388RMB for 2 people. You’ll also be able to take home the awesome works of art you created to impress friends and family!
Our teachers
Duan Yun Xia is from Lanzhou, Gansu Province, and was taught how to make traditional paper cuts using scissors by her mother from the age of 6. Together we’ll be cutting some auspicious symbols such as 福, and some animal motifs.
Chai Chong Shan is from Handan, Hebei Province, and is an experienced art teacher. He now specialises in landscapes but he started out making traditional ink-wash flower and bird paintings, both common subjects of Chinese ink painting. Together we’ll be painting one of the most common motifs in Chinese art: bamboo!
Event schedule
9:00 – Pickup from Sanlitun (Tuanjiehu)
10:00 – Arrive, have tea and snacks
10:00 – 10.30 – Welcome talk
10.30 – 12.30 – Chinese painting class
13.00 – 14.30 – Making dumplings and eating lunch
15.00 – 16.30 – Paper cutting class
17:00 – Head back to the city
18:00 – Drop off at Sanlitun
Next scheduled event
Chinese Culture Taster with Cultural Keys
Date: Sunday August 26th 2018
Location: CK Culture Centre – Songzhuang, Tongzhou
Pickup: 9am at Tuanjiehu Subway Station (Exit D)
Drop off: 6pm at Tuanjiehu Subway Station (Exit D)
Places: Limited to 6 people
Price: 788RMB per person/1388RMB for 2 people
Payment: Prepayment via WeChat, Alipay, bank transfer or cash at our office
If you would like to book a private culture taster event for yourself and a group of up to 6 people, feel free to get in contact. We’ll be happy to see what we can arrange for you!
If you have any questions, or would like to confirm your place, please email us at events@culturalkeys.cn. Alternatively, add NicD1280 on WeChat. Please note that we do have a cat and dogs on the premises, so if you are allergic to either, this event might not be suitable for you.
We look forward to having you join us for this exciting cultural event!